Former Meck. Co. commission chair to run for mayor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Former Mecklenburg County Commission Chairwoman Jennifer Roberts said she wants to lead the city of Charlotte.

Roberts announced she's running for mayor in the 2015 election. Her decision comes just two months after city leaders appointed Dan Clodfelter as mayor after former mayor Pat Cannon was arrested on corruption charges.

At the time Roberts had expressed interest in the position. At an announcement held in Freedom Park, Roberts said the Cannon corruption scandal is part of the reason she's decided to run.

"I think I am the best qualified to help bring a team and restore transparency," she said.

Clodfelter said he wasn't aware Roberts was making an announcement to run just weeks into his term in office.

"I didn't know she was going to announce. 2015 is a good way away. I've got to focus on doing a good job in 2014,” Clodfelter said.

Asked why she announced her campaign a year and a half before the election, Roberts said it's not too early to run.